Put Your Best Foot Forward

Richard Cowin, D.P.M.

When the editors of this edition of “A Better You” asked me to write about how my specialty of podiatry pertains to a healthy home, the first things that came to my mind were 1) safety, and 2) prevention of the transmission of infectious conditions.

It is not uncommon at all for me to see patient on an urgent basis after they have tripped over something at their home. The most common culprit seems to be children’s toys. As such, I highly recommend to parents of young children, as well as older siblings, grandparents, and babysitters to make a conscious effort to pick up toys after use.

By far, the most common broken bone in the human body is called a “bed post fracture.” This traumatic event occurs when one of the toes, usually the 5th or “baby” toe is struck against the bed post or caster of the bed. The best ideas for preventing this are to be conscious of the possibility of this occurring and to wear closed shoes when making the bed or cleaning/walking in and around the bedroom area. Treatment for this injury usually consists of rest, ice, elevation, and “buddy wrapping the affected toe to the one next to it.

Of course, this issue of “A Better You” also addresses a healthy family. In this regard I’d like to address the areas of the prevention of the transmission of infectious diseases and the hereditary nature of common foot problems.

A number of foot problems including athlete’s foot (caused by fungus) and plantar’s warts (caused by a virus) can easily be transmitted from one person to another. One of the best places for this transmission to occur is the shower. If you share a shower with someone that has either of these conditions, I recommend that you keep a can of antiseptic spray close by and spray the shower and rug areas immediately after use. Alternatively, wearing a pair of flip-flops can also be quite helpful.